Publix stores in Florida have recently updated their signage to reflect a reversal of their previous “open carry” stance.
As of May 2026, new signs posted at store entrances state that the company “kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms” inside its locations. This change marks a significant shift from the policy Publix adopted in September 2025, when it initially permitted open carry following a Florida appeals court ruling that struck down the state’s long-standing ban on the practice.
Key Details of the Updated Policy:
- The Request: While the signage uses polite language (“kindly asks” or “prefers”), it explicitly requests that non-law enforcement customers do not openly display firearms while shopping.
- Placement: The new guidance is often found at the bottom of the “Store Rules” signs, alongside policies regarding pets and soliciting.
- Private Property Rights: Although open carry is currently legal in Florida, private businesses like Publix retain the right to set their own rules for their premises and can ask individuals carrying firearms to leave.
- No Formal Corporate Statement: As of early May, Publix corporate has not issued an extensive formal press release, though the policy change has been confirmed by customer service representatives and seen by shoppers across the state.
Background on the Shift
Last year, Publix was one of the few major retailers to lean into the legal change, stating it would follow all state laws. However, that decision faced pushback from safety advocates and some customers who expressed discomfort with seeing weapons in a grocery setting. By reverting to this “law enforcement only” preference, Publix aligns itself more closely with other national retailers like Walmart and Costco, which have long discouraged or prohibited open carry in their stores.